The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

[Corvond]

Jack shrugged at him. "There's gotta be something you can do that's special, or ya wouldn't be here. What've you got, hmm? Come on, it's not like you're as ugly as me an' Patchwork here. Don't be shy."

Dr Jekyll looked around, then back at the gargoyle of a man in front of him. Any policeman who saw him would have arrested him on the spot, confident that anyone who looked like that was certainly guilty of something. His eyes were edgy, his mouth was opening and closing with the regularity of a heartbeat, and he was fiddling with his cravat to the point where he was in danger of taking it off.
"Nothing I tell you. I'm nobody. Nobody at all." He said, his voice ending in something of a shriek.

[ChronicLunacy]

Frankenstein's Monster

Brushing away from Jack, the monster continued to speak to Dr. Van Helsing in German. "Cogito ergo sum, Herr Doctor." he replied. "<I don't know if I am human, if I have what you'd call a soul, or if I am just the sum of my parts. However, I think, I feel, I bleed. I can't find any evidence that I am that much different from you. Don't misunderstand...in my earliest, misguided days I did monstrous things of which I will forever be ashamed, but you cannot judge me. Only He can, should I be fortunate enough to meet Him one day.>" he said, pointing solemnly at the Bible that Van Helsing clutched.

"<I suppose I can say something no one else living on this earth can. I have met my creator, seen him, talked to him, and then destroyed him in righteous and misguided anger. He would like that sentiment...he always did fancy himself a martyr and liked to play at being God. But Doctor Victor Frankenstein wasn't a god. He was a brilliant fool. He knew that before he died. So, I am left to wonder if the God of Moses, Isaac, and Abraham will have me when my time comes. Or if I will wander this place forever. It's a terrifying thought, isn't it?>" the monster smirked and put his hood back up, hiding from the staring eyes again.

[Cracklord]

FONT="Book Antiqua"]"Victor you say?" Van Helsing shook his head, his anger dimming somewhat. "I knew him. He was one of my students. If you can call him that, for what do you call it when the student knows more then the teacher? But I wondered at him. He had the genius but not the wisdom. He flew to high, and the sun burned his wings." He stared at the creature again, and now a certain respect was visible in his eyes. "I do not know who or what you are. I wish I did, but I do not." He sighed again, then switched to german.

"<I will judge you as I see fit, it is judging what makes us human, which gives us the ability to choose.>" He began, the ever-present anger flared up again. "<Whether you are man or not is out of my ability to judge, but know that I will pursue you with the full resources of my soul should you prove to be what I fear. I have a duty to do, a duty to others, a duty to you, and by God, I shall do it!>" With that he turned on his heel and returned to his place in the centre of the room.[/FONT]

[Unkabear]

Arsène lounged in his chair and watched the others interact, a thin smile on his face. And the Pimpernel was weary of HIM being a part of this. From what he was watching he was the least dangerous man in the room, so to speak.

Besides, sometimes it takes a thief to catch a thief.

Still Arsène waited to hear what M had to say, he wanted to know if he believed this was an inside job, and if so...what knowledge did he hold that would give them the edge...especially now that Holmes was here to pay attention. That man did not miss anything. Though the thought of him and Van Helsing clashing amused him.

[ArlEammon]

"Most interesting. Don't you agree?" Giles asked Holmes. "This has become more bizarre for me than I ever imagined. Myself, in contact with the Seelie and Unseelie courts, would not have imagined a rare sight such as this. Men made of dead men, and hunters of blood suckers. . . All sorts of odd things are in this world of ours."

[Cracklord]

"You don't know half of it." Van Helsing said dryly. The old man had a disturbingly quiet tread considering his still sizable bulk. As the man turned the doctor made a placating gesture, then offered a ghost of a smile. "I suspect we're all here. You seem the most knowledgeable, and my own understanding of the occult is... specialist. Tell me everything you know about the book. It is a foolish hunter who prepares himself knowing nothing of his adversary."

[ArlEammon]

"Like I said before, a Necronomican can be a simple book on black magic, to a work of fictional fancy, all the way to an inanimate harbinger of universal destruction. The Necronomican that we are speaking of here could possibly be a spell book that could conjure dead spirits from the grave to animate bodies, create other undead, and that sort of thing."

"Or, it could perhaps be some kind of otherworldly book with knowledge concerning celestial beings other than demons, devils or even faeries. A Necronomican is almost always bad."

[TheThan]

The Phantom
Turning his attention towards the conversation on the other side of the room. The phantom speaks loud enough so all can hear.

I suggest we get going, before our adversary brings about the end of the world. We have ample time to prepare for our enemy while we travel to the States.

Then he turns and stalks towards the door. Stopping only to pick up a black duster and cowboy hat.

[Cracklord]

"This one was written by one Abdul Alhazred, a mad Arab magician. If the stories are true, he lived over two hundred years, and is responsible for a range of misdeeds I doubt are even possible. Regardless, that man had knowledge that would make even that of Tesla there minor in comparison. The evil i vanquished had texts of his hidden in the castle. He used them to escape mortal coil, to live forever. Using only fragments. I tremble to thing what could be kept in the mans masterwork, his ultimate text."

[SilentNight]

"Erm, I am knowing a Brennan O'Keef, perhaps another uncle? He always did help with the reports." At the word "Necronomicon" from the other side of the room, Tesla perks up his ears. "I know not much of magic. But science can duplicate most effects. Perhaps if the culprit wishes to utilize it against us we can devise a proper counter-measure."

[Cracklord]

Van Helsing stared at him for a second, a stunned expression on his face. For the first time since he had arrived he looked completely speechless. "Yes... Well, Perhaps we should find out what we are trying to confront first." He replied awkwardly, looking slightly uncertain. He had always believed that science and magic were as sepperate as good and evil, as black and white. Science could be explained through logical deduction and careful experimentation, magic was something else. But then, did any one have any idea what this little serbian man was truly capable of?
He replaced his hat, adjusting it so it once more shadowed his eyes. "I will find our hasty friend and see to it we can book passage on the ship. Tesla, I would appreciate being given the opportunity to discuss this once more once we see Randolph Carter." With a nod and a wave he turned and made his way to the door, pausing to give a disdainful look to the still sniveling Dr Jekyll.

[Djinn_in_Tonic]

Sherlock Holmes rises slowly, unfolding to his great height like some strangely jointed scarecrow.

"My dear Giles, magic is, quite simply, a nonentity. There is nothing within that book that does not conform to modern science in some manner, whether currently known or as of yet undiscovered. I can assure you that this is, and will remain, the case."

"Of course, should I be proven wrong..."

He laughs lightly--a small chuckle, nothing more.

"...you will, I ask, instruct me as to my error."

[Blackjackg]

Morgan grunts agreement, tilting his Bowler hat back to reveal his creased forehead. "Personally, I'm with Tesla and Holmes, here. You are Sherlock Holmes, ain't ya? Pleasure to make your acquaintance. Hank Morgan, of Hartford, Connecticut, U.S. of A. Anyhow, I'm with them. There ain't no such thing as magic. Just science we ain't figured out yet."

"Take them colts of yours, Phantom... can I call you 'The?' Or that flintlock Uncle Fritz is lugging around in his back pocket. You take them back a millenium or two and start plugging the locals, you're damn sure gonna get called a witch. If you'll pardon my French, miss. Now we know they ain't magic. Just chemistry and a little American know-how, but the simple mind'll believe anything."

[Djinn_in_Tonic]

Holmes bows slightly, just enough to acknowledge the American.

"A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Morgan. I do not believe I have the honor of knowing anything particular about you, aside from the obvious fact that you are, or were, employed in the munitions business, most likely in a supervising position, that you have a penchant for things mechanical in nature, and that, like myself, you hold science and proven fact above speculations about the supernatural. However, given my line of work, perhaps this dearth of knowledge is for the best."

[Unkabear]

Their last encounter played through Arsène's mind, the theft, the kidnapping, the death of Raymonde de Saint-Ve'ran. Arsène couldn't hold Holmes accountable for Raymonde's death, as the shot was accidental. But still, it was something that stuck in the mind.

Spoiler

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Arsene Lupin Vs. Sherlock Holmes: The Hollow Needle. Go down to the book review, it will give you the best overview without having read the book I could find.

[Djinn_in_Tonic]

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I know nothing about this...care to give me a better summary of Holmes' involvement in the plot, and the outcome of the situation? The brief description wasn't sufficient to explain any of this.

[Unkabear]

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Since it is not a Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle book Holmes does not win. I Kidnap you, you are saved by the young reporter and I get away in the end. I am not planning on playing Arsène nearly as dastardly as in the book, mine will be much more playful and good natured. But still, I am one that got away

[TheThan]

The Phantom

The phantom leaves the room and walks down the hall and eventually out the door. On the streets he heads down a dark alley and finds a nice hiding spot away from any stray eyes and switches into more civilian clothing.

John Walker
Afterward switching out of his costume John Walker appears on the streets and heads to the docks where his ship awaits. He keeps a close eye out for any of the people that was just in the meeting, as well as anything else that may be watching him.

[Walter O'Dim]

M coughed in a loud, vaudeville, obviously trying to gather the room's attention. In his normal strong authorities voice, that almost seemed to radiate generations of his family’s aristocratic lineage and upbringing, he began to speak in a low monotone voice.

“Now that, we are all acquainted with one another, it is time to truly get down to business. In 4 hours time, in the London Bayview docks, a mister Ishmael and his vessel will take you to the town of Kingsport, a little town only a few miles from Arkham. It is there you will meet our contact Mr. Carter, who will take to Miskatonic University and debrief you on all the details known about the suspects and their possible whereabouts.” M said flatly from a high in the Museum Balcony

“I look forward to working with all of you in the near future.” He said, as his figure disappeared completely into the shadows.

[Cracklord]

Abraham Van Helsing had just missed the phantom, who had vanished into an alley slightly ahead of him. Helsing had returned to the Hotel where he had been planning to stay and retrieved his luggage, then hailed a cab to take him to the docks.
Van Helsing never stayed in hotels. He had so many friends around the world that he simply imposed on them for a few days. But he had been warned to keep a low profile when the agent brought him here, so he had simply dropped of his things and gone to the museum to wait. Probably just as well, he thought to himself.
He was faintly satisfied that he would be leaving immediately, and relieved it would soon be over. This was a young mans game, and though he remained in excellent shape and health, really he wanted no more to do with this sort of work. The changing of the guard was long past due.
The cabby was drunk, an English obviously wasn't his first language. Nor was German, French or Greek. When they passed the same lamp post for the third time, the old doctor stopped him and got out, refusing him recompense. As he wove away unsteadily, Van Helsing placed his bags down on the curb and waited for the next one.

[Corvond]

Dr Jekyll tore his gaze from the scarecrow before him to look up at M. Realizing the window of opportunity was fast closing, his fear leant him courage, or at least boisterous anger, which can sometimes be confused for it. "I told you, I shall have no part in this! You make some bold assurances sir, but what's the benefit to me? Huh? Why should I risk my life for you?"
But M was already gone. A feeling of claustrophobia fell on his shoulders like a lead sheet. He was trapped and out of options. He had no choice but to go along with this stupid scheme and escape at the first opportunity.
Looking around he noticed there were still many curious eyes upon him. He offered them a transparent smile that did not reach his eyes and a small wave, then walked out of the light, shivering slightly.
"Shut up." he whispered to himself.

[Djinn_in_Tonic]

At M's disappearance, Holmes adjusts his coat and picks up his walking stick, tucking it neatly under one arm.

"Well gentlemen--and Miss O'Keefe, I believe--I look forward to making your acquaintances at a later date, when we have, I hope, more time available for leisure. However, my experiment will not wait, so I will bid you farewell until four hours from now."

With that, he turns to the door, pausing only briefly to seize the wrist of Arsène Lupin, pulling the man upright with surprising force.

"My dear Mr. Lupin. You, perforce, are coming with me. We have some things to discuss if we are to work together without betrayal of trust. Of course, if you decline...well, Scotland Yard is not far, and I will not let you escape a second time."

[Heliomance]

Jack grinned - or rather, continued grinning. His face never seemed to form any other expression for long. "Well, I'm sure we'll be seeing more of each other soon, Mr. Jekyll, sir. See you in four hours!"

He patted the nervous doctor on the chest, tipped his hat, and sauntered out the door.

[Corvond]

Dr Jekyll watched him go with a curious mixture of fear, relief and soul-blasting malevolence. The good doctor was beginning to loose the delicate control he possessed, and something terrible was coming to the surface.
Nestling still deeper in the murk, he began scratching the side of his face in an unconscious way, still staring at the departing figure.

[SilentNight]

Tesla gives a nod and turns to Mary. "Well Miss, I'm a fraid I must take my leave for to pack my......how do you say, apparatusses? Apparati? I would like to meet your parents at some point however." With a courteous bow to the rest of the room's occupants, Tesla takes a hasty exit from the room, leaving his coffee-stained jacket hanging on the chair. Always leaving time for experimentation however, Tesla winds his way through the nearby alleys, becoming completely lost. He then presses a small button on his pocket watch, which begins to glow, pointing in a westerly direction. Tesla grins, the new device was indeed powerful enough to detect the electromagnetic field generated by his laboratory. Following the beacon back, Tesla begins to throw various contraptions into a bag along with several sets of pristine pressed clothing. Once he finishes, he makes a few more tweaks to his pocket watch and dispenses instructions to his assistants.

[Blackjackg]

Hank Morgan

"Well, folks, it's been a right pleasure. I'll have to take my leave now, if I'm gonna collect up my effects in time for the boat. I hope to see you gentlemen, Miss O'Keefe, at the docks."

He tips his hat, buttons his checkered jacket, and strides impressively out the door.

[TheThan]

John Walker
John Walker emerged from the alley just in time to spot Dr. Van Helsing climb aboard a coach and head somewhere not the direction of the docks. Judging from the disposition of the rather inebriated coach driver, John decides to follow along at a distance and keep an eye on the good doctor.

John Walker spent several minutes following a drunken cab that had made 2 left turns, 3 right turns and then 4 left turns. It was quite dizzying, but you have to learn to keep your bearings in the bengalan jungle, and John Walker didn’t have too much trouble figuring his way around. Fortunately the driver was content to move about at a leisurely pace, otherwise John wouldn’t have been able to keep up with the carriage.

The coach finally came to a stop, and let Van Helsing out, and he began arranging his luggage, as if he was awaiting another ride. Ten or so minutes passed by, and John decided to help the good doctor out, and get out of the rain. So causally he appears down the road form Van Helsing and walks towards him, making sure to make enough noise so as to not catch the doctor by surprise. There’s an old jungle saying: “he who walks softly also walk swiftly.”

Stepping up to Van Helsing, he stops and says,

“Excuse me good sir, do you happen to have a match? Mine are absolutely drenched”. His accent is American but very neutral in origin. He stands a good 6’4, with broad shoulders and is heavily muscled in the chest and arms. He wears a typical business suit underneath a black duster and a wide brimmed hat, keeping the rain off his head.

[ooc]
Here I was typing out a big long post about how The Phantom influences the life of Oliver Twist, and some one has to go and change things. oh well.

[edit] he also grew about 4 inches, but i think it fits him since he's very strong for a normal human, and he is a man of action after all.

[Unkabear]

Arsène looked down at his wrist for a moment then met Holmes gaze, he did not fight the grasp, but aside from his now standing upright no longer acknowledged the grasp.

"Monsieur, we have had our encounter, and your abduction was simply a part of the game. If you were allowed to move on the playing field then I would have been restricted. And you cannot deny me that I treated you with the best of regards, offering you what freedom I could on the boat. What I was about was much larger than you or I Holmes. To Isidore I had relenquished my fortune, for Raymonde I had relenquished my life. And then you took her from me. I know that the bullet was meant for me, and that it was an accedent. I have come to terms that you did not mean to shoot her. I am no longer the man I was, I am not even a Frenchman per say, and M offered me an opportunity to put my loathing behind myself and do something. Which, in iteself was enough for me to come."

Straightening himself Arsène then wretched his hand freem from Holmes "And aside from the fact that Scotland Yard could no more hold me than a carrage, what have you against me? The treasures that I had accumulated are sitting at the Musee du Louvre, not sold to the highest bidder, or even in the Needle. The one person that I had ever loved is now dead, by your hand. What more of me do you think you can take?"

"I am here of my own accord, to act in regards to what M asked of me, being the best at what I do. I am a different man now. You have ensured that."

[Unkabear]

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@ Djinn: Alright, you may need to read down to the bottom to get to the good part. But it is there, trust me.

[Cracklord]

[ooc]
It was a good post too, wasn't it? But I looked over it again and realized Oliver would be about one hundred and ninety. Oh well.

Van Helsing cave him a cursory look, then shook his head. "I do not smoke." He said in a flat voice, his left hand rummaging in his pocket. At last it emerged and he handed the man a packet.
At last he noted in a dry voice "I don't think they'll let dogs on the steamship." There was a tinge of humor in his tone, and for a second the Phantom wondered if he was being mocked.
Van Helsing himself did not have The Phantom's physique, but his still muscled arms suggested he might once have. Even on his craggy face were signs of wear, like a great mountain that had eroded over time. But he still carried himself like a fighter, or rather like a great bear that lives alone and feels no fear.
Inclining his head, he turned back to the road,making a slight clicking noise in impatience. If there was one thing he disliked about this part of Europe, it was the lack of regularity that so characterized his home. Back there, he would have been at the docks an hour ago.